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NASA's X-59 jet progresses towards supersonic flight

NASA's X-59 jet begins taxi tests as it aims to halve the flight time between New York and London.

July 19, 2025 at 02:30 AM

NASA's supersonic X-59 jet that could slash NYC-London flight time in half taxis closer to take off

NASA has made significant progress with the X-59 jet, aiming to reduce flight times between New York and London.

NASA advances X-59 jet project for faster transatlantic flights

On July 10, NASA's X-59 jet, known as the 'son of Concorde,' successfully taxied on a California runway using its own power. This marks an essential milestone for the aircraft as it prepares for flight tests aimed at reducing travel time between New York and London to just three and a half hours. The experimental jet, developed with Lockheed Martin, is part of NASA's QueSST mission and features a design intended to minimize noise pollution from sonic booms. The X-59's shape will allow it to create a quieter sound when breaking the sound barrier, countering decades of restrictions on supersonic flights due to noise concerns.

Key Takeaways

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X-59 aims to cut NY-London flight time to 3.5 hours.

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NASA plans high-speed taxi tests in the coming weeks.

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The jet's design minimizes sonic booms, potentially lifting flight bans.

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It represents a major step in reviving supersonic commercial travel.

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The X-59 follows the legacy of the Concorde with advanced technology.

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Public acceptance will be crucial for the jet's future use.

"The aircraft will gradually increase its speed, leading up to a high-speed taxi test."

This quote highlights the step-by-step approach NASA is taking to ensure safety and success in testing the X-59.

"The new aircraft’s innovative design will cause it to produce a quiet thump sound."

This emphasizes the unique features of the X-59 that aim to reduce noise pollution during supersonic flights.

The X-59 project illustrates a blend of innovation and regulatory challenge. With its quiet sonic boom, the aircraft aims to revive supersonic travel while addressing the noise issues that grounded its predecessor, the Concorde. However, the approval for commercial use will depend on public acceptance of the aircraft's environmental impact and noise levels. The aviation industry is watching closely as the X-59 may pave the way for a new era in air travel.

Highlights

Revolutionizing air travel could begin with a quiet thump.
X-59 jet might just bring breakfast in New York and lunch in London closer than ever.
NASA's X-59 could redefine how we think about flight time.
A quieter sonic boom could open up a new chapter in aviation.